2012 ushered in some memorable music. Take note of the local singers and bands that captured our attention—and whose CDs make for a great gift. by Jenna Brogan
WOOSTER//IF ALL THE DEW WERE DIAMONDS
CHRIS RENE//I’M RIGHT HERE>
Taking its name from John Steinbeck’s “Tortilla Flat,” Wooster’s sophomore album is an eclectic follow-up to The Heights of Things, which combines elements of rock, soul, reggae, and blues, and showcases the band’s polished, yet fresh sound. woosterband.com.
STELLAR CORPSES// DEAD STARS DRIVE IN The local horror punk rockers teamed up with Grammy Award-winning producer Joe McGrath to craft their debut album, a high-energy blend of punk, rockabilly, hard rock and melodic rock. Note: The first single “Vampire Kiss” is a nod to The Lost Boys. stellarcorpses.com.
AUDIAFAUNA// GROW DOWN Known for its pop/folk/electronica amalgam, this local outfit— formed by two UC Santa Cruz alums—released its 17-track debut LP in May. Contemplative, minimalist, and sometimes chilling, Audiafauna’s songs will carry you away. audiafauna.com.
Give the gift of inspiration in the form of X Factor alum Chris Rene’s debut R&B album, I’m Right Here. The culmination of the local’s hard work to overcome addiction and become a recording artist, the album is filled with empowering and dance-ready tracks that will have you proud to be a Santa Cruzan. chrisreneofficial.com.
NORA CRUZ SEXTET// SIX IS ENOUGH After 26 years of performing in Santa Cruz, Nora Cruz has unveiled her debut CD, a tribute to the R&B sound of a bygone era. After one listen, you’ll know why this big-voiced vixen has an evergrowing following. noracruz.com.
THE EXPENDABLES //GONE SOFT Everyone’s favorite local reggae/ska/punk outfit released an all-acoustic collection of their hits this year, including “Down Down Down,” “Bowl For Two,” and “24/7.” The perfect soundtrack to driving with the windows down. theexpendables.net.
NORTH PACIFIC STRING BAND//STEAK AND EGGS Five-piece bluegrass collective North Pacific String Band has crafted a rollicking debut album that’s brimming with high-energy banjo picking, a racing fiddle, and a whole lot of soul. northpacificcompany.org.
BASSNECTAR//VAVA VOOM The electronic powerhouse experiments with breakbeat, glitch, drum and bass on his latest pulsating effort, which features a slew of danceable collaborations with artists like Lupe Fiasco, Tina Malia, and Mimi Page. bassnectar.net.
THE MCCOY TYLER BAND// CABIN FEVER BLUES Despite having only played together for just over a year, The McCoy Tyler Band has a seasoned acoustic folk/altcountry/bluegrass sound that makes its debut full-length seem like anything but. mccoytylerband.bandcamp.com.
<TESS DUNN//HONESTY BOX Seventeen-year-old Tess Dunn is not only the frontwoman of a spunky pop/rock outfit—you can’t miss her candy-apple red hair and the giant keytar slung around her back—but she was also born with cystic fibrosis, epilepsy and diabetes. Her zest for life and wisdom beyond her years are present throughout her sophomore album. tessdunn.com.